About Rachael Woodie (Taylor)

Aloha! I (Rachael) was born and raised on the island of Maui, HI. Growing up my parents prioritized time together as a family, something that I am very grateful for. They passed on their passion for the outdoors and ocean to my younger brother and I. Amidst the busyness of school and sports, I spent most of my childhood exploring Maui, surfing, and spending time with my family. I also grew up going to church, however I saw it as what I should do, the right thing, rather than something personal.

By the time I graduated from high school in 2010 I had developed a passion for the natural environment. This led me to pursue an environmental studies degree at the University of Hawai’i, Mānoa, on the island of O’ahu. It was during this first semester of college that I was confronted with the truth about my faith.

One night a friend commented that while I called myself a Christian, it didn’t seem like I made God a priority in my life. At first I became defensive to his observation. Later, however, that night back in my dorm I considered what he had said. I asked myself what my priorities were and I came to the conclusion that they were family, school, surfing, and then God.

By the Lord’s grace I realized that this was backwards. I was tired of constantly being anxious and stressed about school. And while I did well in my classes, had time to pursue my hobby of surfing, and do the things that I equated with being happy, I was never fully satisfied. When I was honest with myself, I knew that there was a puka (“hole” in Hawaiian) inside of me. I finally saw that despite my efforts I could never do enough or be good enough to reach God, inevitably I would fail. But that’s the beauty of God’s love for us! He knew from the beginning that none of us could be good enough to reach Him (Romans 3:23). And that’s why He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, Who did live a perfect life. The offer of God stood before me that night; I am not good enough to reach God, but Jesus fixed that by living a perfect life, dying for my sins, and rising from the dead victoriously over my sin. All I had to do was believe this and God would accept me into His kingdom and family forever!!

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8

That night I surrendered my life to God and His plan. I accepted His graceful gift of eternal life and took my first step of faith by giving Him control of my life. Little did I know the plans that the Lord had in store for me!

Within a year of surrendering to the Lord, I was on a student exchange in Durango, CO. It was my first time living away from the ocean and experiencing a winter! It was at this school, Fort Lewis College, that I had my first exposure to the Body of Christ and fellowship. I became involved in a college ministry, Master Plan Ministries (MPM). During this year I began to be discipled by an MPM staff woman, I attended retreats, Bible studies, worship and prayer times, and snow days (brrrrr!). God really used this ministry to help me grow in my faith and lay a solid foundation based on His Word. In addition I made strong friendships like I’d never experienced, including a friendship with a young man, Dakota Woodie.

At the end of my exchange year I was supposed to go back to Hawai’i, however I did not want to leave my brothers and sisters in Durango. What?! This island girl was willing to give up the ocean and beautiful Hawai’i? I was surprised with myself too, but I gave God control and left the decision up to Him. It turns out that He did want me to stay in Colorado. So, I transferred to Fort Lewis and finished up my Environmental Studies B.A. there. During the next year and a half of school I continued to grow in, and share, my faith, along with serve on the MPM student leadership team. I began dating that charming young man, Dakota, who was also involved with the ministry. After his graduation in May, 2013 the Lord led him to join full-time staff with MPM.

Rachael surfing on Maui

The summer of 2013 I did two internships. The first was with MPM. This was a summer project called “Crush Fear,” designed to help students grow in their faith in the context of the beautiful San Juan Mountains. Following this I headed up to Alaska for my Environmental Studies internship. At the end of the summer it was time to evaluate what I was going to do with my life. Up until then I was set on pursuing a career in the environmental realm. However, God used the two internships to show me where my passion really lies; in investing in college students’ lives, leading them to the Lord, and helping them grow in their faith. I had determined earlier that my life’s purpose is to love God and love others, specifically by sharing the Good News with them and encouraging them to grow closer to the Lord. At the end of this summer it was clear to me that the way I should do this is through college ministry.

I graduated from college in December, 2013. The very next day Dakota proposed, and I said ‘yes!’. Following a mission trip to Nicaragua in January, 2014 I applied to join the MPM staff team. In February I was accepted!

It was time to put what I consider one of my life verses, Luke 9:62, into action: “Whoever puts his hand to the plow and looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God.”

On July 5, 2014 Dakota and I were married. The Lord has blessed me enormously in giving me such a humble husband who loves the Lord. The fact that I get to work in ministry alongside of him is so sweet!

Dakota and I have begun to plow this path that the Lord has graciously given to us. I know that He has much in store for us, that there will be challenges and joys. Yet through it all He remains our solid Rock and patient Father.

Mahalo nui loa for taking the time to read the story about how God has changed my life, a story that He has given me to share! I look forward to sharing what He continues to do in my life. I know that it will be both unexpected and full of adventure!